Chapter 163 The proclamation

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It was a silent morning in Paradise High. The students around were preparing for their usual assembly, where it was speculated that the principal would address them shortly. It was obvious with the recent events—Ezekiel's death and Slyvia's ghastly accident—which had scared the living daylights out of many students.

Meanwhile, Nadine was also getting ready in her room. Due to her family's influence, they were able to remove Luna from her dorm, so apparently, she was alone for now. But that wasn't the case anymore, as the two annoying guys had taken over her room. Jeremy was busy on Nadine's laptop typing God knows what, and Ezekiel, on the other hand, was sleeping—no, meditating, whatever.

Nadine had given up on the young man because she just couldn't understand the way he thought.

"Asher, can't you go to school today with your face like this? It looks good on you," Zeke pointed out, his face devoid of emotion. At this point, Nadine didn't know if he was serious, joking, or, either way, mocking her—she had no idea.

"Absolutely not, Ezekiel. I can't let anyone get my identity because it would ruin my future in this school and also put me in unnecessary harm. As my mom said, only God knows whatever harm that's." Nadine replied while gently brushing her long silver hair.

Jeremy turned his face to the two. Something was off. The way they spoke showed a hint of familiarity.

"Sorry, but have you guys met before? Because I feel like you know her more than this," Jeremy asked, eyeing the two. He wanted to get to the bottom of the issue.

"I wouldn't call it that, but we both didn't get along so well. Am I right, Asher?" Zeke asked, his eyes burrowing deeply into Nadine's own. Not wanting to answer any more questions, Nadine rushed to the bathroom and climbed into the bathtub, putting on the water.

"Nadine, can you hurry up? Time isn't on our side," Jeremy's voice came at a distance, and Nadine delved deeper into the water. She needed to cool off, and this water was perfect.

After Nadine was gone, Jimmy faced Zeke.

"What are you hiding? I can feel it, so spill the tea—everything. Don't you dare leave anything behind." Jimmy pressed further, and Ezekiel laughed.

"Jeremy, let me warn you. There are entities here that you don't want to know, and they operate in the night. So, my death led me into their world. I knew that Nadine is the key, and I don't want Ares or anyone else to get their dirty paws on her. So, get it." Zeke paused and glanced at Jimmy.

Jeremy's eyes circled the room in horror. There were sinister forces in Paradise High. What a surprise.

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The three arrived at the gathering in the hall where the assembly was normally conducted, and during their arrival, all eyes turned to them. Nadine was the center of attention. Ezekiel being so close to her was a juicy tale—had Nadine fucked him, or was there something more?

Nadine watched the facial reactions of people, especially Ava and her clique. Nina was the most bitter because it seemed she liked Zeke so much, and Ava used the medium to fuel the hatred even more.

"Like brothers and sisters, both are cheating whores who can't help but open their legs for any guy that comes by," Ava's malicious tone reached Nadine's ears, and she moved directly to the table.

"What did you just say? Bitch, answer me. What did you vomit from that mouth?" Nadine was enraged.

Jeremy wanted to talk, but Rowan, Simon, Harlan, and Kai came over. Seeing Zeke, Kai screamed.

"Zeke, you're alive! Thanks be to God. I knew you couldn't go just like that." Kai was smiling. Harlan and the others hugged him, and in that process, Harlan announced,

"A chandelier was tampered with last night, and it fell on our top student, Slyvia Emerson. She has been hospitalized heavily, and for that case, I am taking on the issue personally. So, if you know you did this, come to me personally so that your death will be less painful." Harlan's fiery eyes burned at the thought of the massive chandelier damaging Slyvia's face.

Ezekiel's eyes stopped at Harlan. "You mean one of our students was attacked yesterday?"

Harlan nodded, pain evident in his eyes. Nadine felt terrible for Slyvia, especially for her sister Rose. No wonder she hadn't seen her lately. She then faced Ava.

"What are the possibilities that it was Ava Gonzalez who was behind Slyvia's accident?" Nadine whispered to Jimmy, who in turn faced the four people who were whispering continuously.

"I really don't know, Nadine, and I never did like Ava. So, if she did that, I am not surprised—not even a bit," Jeremy chimed.

Simon then stood up. He spoke to the teachers around and left.

"What's going on?" Nadine asked Ezekiel, who was continuously being held in the hands by Kai.

"Based on what I understand, he is going to meet with Rose—your sister—and perhaps console her." Zeke's voice seemed natural, but Nadine knew he was casually waiting for drama.

"Jimmy, before I forget, weren't you expelled?" Rowan pointed. At this time, everyone's eyes moved to the two. Even Zeke was shocked. Nadine thought, then returned to the matter. Jimmy was still expelled.

"So, I hope you have packed because, after the principal's announcement, you're definitely leaving permanently, if not forever, with your ruined life," Rowan thundered.

Nadine frowned so hard, and Jimmy's eyes began watering. It was true. His journey in school was over. What would he do?

"That won't happen, Rowan, because Jeremy here is innocent and won't leave. If someone is leaving, it's you, motherfucker," Nadine defended Jimmy, which made Jeremy smile. But Rowan's eerie smile unsettled them.

"Oh, don't worry. You think your parents will save you? No amount of money will bail them out." Rowan then walked out, and at that moment, the assembly began with various music. But Nadine couldn't help but get more worried.

The principal, Ken Waters, was a middle-aged man. After the necessary processions, he entered the podium, and all eyes turned to him.

"So, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to a brand new day. I would like to apologize for the disturbances in school properties, but rest assured, the issue is now over. One of our students, whom we thought was dead, has recovered. Now walking with us is Ezekiel Sawyer." Ken's words made hands begin clapping. No doubt, Zeke was extremely popular around the school.

"Before we carry on, these are the new rules and regulations: by 8 p.m. sharp, no one is to cross the field. If you're caught, it's a great punishment—either suspension or expulsion—that's if you're still alive..."

Nadine froze. What was really in that field, and what were they hiding? The principal was acting weird. Did he know something? His behavior wasn't normal.

"And concerning Slyvia's accident, an investigation has begun to find the culprit behind it. So, rest assured, you're all safe. Lastly, Jeremy McCarty, you are hereby expelled for breaking the major rules and regulations: bullying, harassment, and physical violence."

Jeremy's face paled instantly. Nadine was speechless—just like that. At that moment, Rose and Emily came into the assembly. Ava watched the stunned expressions of the students. No one expected Nadine's boyfriend to go like that. The Andersons were influential, so they should be able to reverse the proclamation.

"Oh, Nadine, are you shocked? Let me give you a little hint. Why do you think I am that influential? Simple—my father is the owner of Paradise High, and Rowan and I are the prince and princess." Ava smiled icily.

Kai, who was holding Zeke, let go of his hands. The shock was overwhelming. Zeke, who seemed unaffected, turned to Ken Waters.

"I believe, sir, if you're expelling Jimmy, Rowan is also going. Why? Because I will send the clips online, gain the attention of the press and the governor, and Rowan and the Gonzalez family will be eliminated forever." Zeke's shocking statement made the whole room gasp. Did Zeke, the cold prince, defend Jimmy? What was happening?

Nadine and Jimmy were both not expecting it. It threw them off balance. Ken eyed Zeke, who smiled darkly. Nadine knew that slit-eyed look. Ken was apparently a siren—a mermaid flesh-eater.

Meanwhile Rose stood far away from the crowd with Emily. She was trying to be alone, but Emily kept following her, trying to convince her she was innocent. Rose finally snapped.

"Enough, Emily! Say the damn truth, you pretentious bitch. Did you cut the chandelier? If not, I will kill you here and now." Emily staggered back, and Rose, at that moment, brought out a small dagger.

" Confess your sins, Emily. I said confess....."